After sailing to Alaska on twelve different cruises — from the Celebrity Eclipse's Inside Passage route to Princess's Grand Princess Glacier Bay expedition — I've learned that packing for Alaska is completely different from any other cruise destination. You'll face 45-degree mornings in Juneau and potentially 70-degree afternoons in Ketchikan, all while needing gear for glacier viewing, wildlife watching, and shore excursions that range from helicopter tours to salmon fishing.
The biggest mistake I see first-time Alaska cruisers make? Overpacking heavy winter gear or underpacking for the real weather conditions you'll actually encounter.
The Golden Rule: You can always take layers off, but you can't add what you didn't bring.
Here's what actually works in Alaska's unpredictable climate:
Pro tip: Pack one "dressy" layer for formal nights. A nice cardigan or blazer over your base layer works perfectly and takes up minimal luggage space.
Temperatures in 2026 Alaska cruise season typically range from 42-65°F, but I've experienced 38°F mornings in Skagway and 72°F afternoons in Sitka on the same cruise.
I've made every possible shoe mistake in Alaska. Here's what you actually need:
Skip these: Fancy white sneakers, suede anything, or shoes that take forever to dry. Trust me on this one.
The key is waterproof, not just water-resistant. When you're walking through Mendenhall Glacier's visitor area after morning rain, you'll understand the difference.
These items are either impossible to buy on the ship or ridiculously overpriced in port shops:
Photography tip: Bring lens cleaning cloths. The salty air and glacier mist will constantly fog your camera or phone lens during the best photo opportunities.
Juneau: Pack sturdy shoes for the Mount Roberts Tramway and bring layers — the tram base and top can have 15-degree temperature differences.
Ketchikan: Waterproof everything. It's called the "First City" but should be called the "Wet City." Pack rain gear even if the forecast looks good.
Skagway: If you're taking the White Pass & Yukon Railway, bring warm layers. The train climbs to 2,865 feet, and it gets cold fast.
Icy Strait Point: Dress for outdoor activities. This port is all about adventure — ziplines, whale watching, and nature walks.
Glacier Bay: This is a sea day focused on glacier viewing. Pack your warmest layers, gloves, and hat. You'll spend hours on deck.
After watching countless cruise passengers struggle with poor packing choices:
Princess Cruises: Their Alaska ships like the Grand Princess have excellent deck space for glacier viewing but limited indoor seating. Pack extra layers for extended outdoor time.
Celebrity: Ships like Celebrity Eclipse have great indoor viewing areas with floor-to-ceiling windows. You can get away with slightly lighter packing.
Royal Caribbean: Quantum and Voyager-class ships have indoor activities like rock climbing and FlowRider surfing. Pack gym clothes and swimwear even for Alaska.
Holland America: Their Alaska focus means more educational programming. Bring comfortable clothes for lectures and presentations.
The night before you sail: Check the 7-day forecast for all your ports. Alaska weather can change dramatically, and last-minute adjustments are worth it.
Pack medications in carry-on: Include any motion sickness remedies. The Gulf of Alaska can surprise you.
Bring cash: Some smaller ports and local vendors prefer cash, especially for tips on excursions.
Space-saving hack: Wear your heaviest boots and jacket on embarkation day. It saves luggage space and you'll need layers anyway — most ships start air conditioning immediately.
Remember, you can always buy forgotten items in ports, but prices are typically 2-3 times higher than at home. A basic fleece jacket that costs $25 at Target will run you $75-90 in Juneau's tourist shops.
The key to Alaska cruise packing success is preparing for weather that can literally change hourly while keeping your luggage manageable. After twelve Alaska cruises, I've learned that being slightly over-prepared beats being cold and miserable every single time.
Have questions about specific gear or want to share your own Alaska packing discoveries? Join fellow Alaska cruisers in our Alaska cruise community where experienced travelers share real-world packing tips and port-specific advice!
The biggest mistake I see first-time Alaska cruisers make? Overpacking heavy winter gear or underpacking for the real weather conditions you'll actually encounter.
Essential Clothing: Layer Like Your Comfort Depends On It
The Golden Rule: You can always take layers off, but you can't add what you didn't bring.
Here's what actually works in Alaska's unpredictable climate:
- Moisture-wicking base layers — Pack 3-4 long-sleeve synthetic or merino wool shirts. Skip cotton entirely; it stays wet and cold.
- Fleece or down mid-layer — A packable down jacket is perfect. I bring my Patagonia Down Sweater on every Alaska cruise.
- Waterproof outer shell — Not just rain-resistant. You need fully waterproof for Glacier Bay's mist and sudden downpours in Haines.
- Warm, waterproof gloves — Your hands will be exposed during wildlife photography and glacier viewing.
- Warm hat that covers your ears — The wind on deck 14 during glacier viewing is no joke.
Pro tip: Pack one "dressy" layer for formal nights. A nice cardigan or blazer over your base layer works perfectly and takes up minimal luggage space.
Temperatures in 2026 Alaska cruise season typically range from 42-65°F, but I've experienced 38°F mornings in Skagway and 72°F afternoons in Sitka on the same cruise.
Footwear: Your Feet Will Thank You Later
I've made every possible shoe mistake in Alaska. Here's what you actually need:
- Waterproof hiking boots — For shore excursions like the Mount Roberts Tramway in Juneau or any Mendenhall Glacier walks
- Comfortable walking shoes — For exploring ports like downtown Ketchikan's boardwalk
- Dress shoes — One pair for formal nights in the Crown Grill or Chops Grille
- Flip-flops or slides — For the ship's pool areas and cabin use
Skip these: Fancy white sneakers, suede anything, or shoes that take forever to dry. Trust me on this one.
The key is waterproof, not just water-resistant. When you're walking through Mendenhall Glacier's visitor area after morning rain, you'll understand the difference.
Alaska-Specific Gear You Can't Find Onboard
These items are either impossible to buy on the ship or ridiculously overpriced in port shops:
- Binoculars — 8x42 is the sweet spot for whale watching and glacier viewing. Don't rely on borrowing from other passengers.
- Portable phone charger — You'll take more photos than usual, and some excursions last 6-8 hours.
- Waterproof phone case — For zodiac tours and any water-based excursions
- Hand/foot warmers — The disposable ones. Great for early morning wildlife viewing on deck.
- Seasickness remedies — The Inside Passage can get choppy, especially around Cross Sound.
Photography tip: Bring lens cleaning cloths. The salty air and glacier mist will constantly fog your camera or phone lens during the best photo opportunities.
Port-Specific Packing Considerations
Juneau: Pack sturdy shoes for the Mount Roberts Tramway and bring layers — the tram base and top can have 15-degree temperature differences.
Ketchikan: Waterproof everything. It's called the "First City" but should be called the "Wet City." Pack rain gear even if the forecast looks good.
Skagway: If you're taking the White Pass & Yukon Railway, bring warm layers. The train climbs to 2,865 feet, and it gets cold fast.
Icy Strait Point: Dress for outdoor activities. This port is all about adventure — ziplines, whale watching, and nature walks.
Glacier Bay: This is a sea day focused on glacier viewing. Pack your warmest layers, gloves, and hat. You'll spend hours on deck.
What NOT to Pack
After watching countless cruise passengers struggle with poor packing choices:
- Heavy winter coats — Unless you're cruising in September, you don't need a ski jacket
- Multiple formal outfits — Most Alaska cruises have only 1-2 formal nights
- Cotton jeans — They take forever to dry and provide no warmth when wet
- Umbrella — Useless in Alaska's wind. Pack a hooded rain jacket instead
- Too many casual sundresses — You'll wear pants and layers 90% of the time
Cruise Line-Specific Considerations
Princess Cruises: Their Alaska ships like the Grand Princess have excellent deck space for glacier viewing but limited indoor seating. Pack extra layers for extended outdoor time.
Celebrity: Ships like Celebrity Eclipse have great indoor viewing areas with floor-to-ceiling windows. You can get away with slightly lighter packing.
Royal Caribbean: Quantum and Voyager-class ships have indoor activities like rock climbing and FlowRider surfing. Pack gym clothes and swimwear even for Alaska.
Holland America: Their Alaska focus means more educational programming. Bring comfortable clothes for lectures and presentations.
Last-Minute Packing Tips From a Seasoned Alaska Cruiser
The night before you sail: Check the 7-day forecast for all your ports. Alaska weather can change dramatically, and last-minute adjustments are worth it.
Pack medications in carry-on: Include any motion sickness remedies. The Gulf of Alaska can surprise you.
Bring cash: Some smaller ports and local vendors prefer cash, especially for tips on excursions.
Space-saving hack: Wear your heaviest boots and jacket on embarkation day. It saves luggage space and you'll need layers anyway — most ships start air conditioning immediately.
Remember, you can always buy forgotten items in ports, but prices are typically 2-3 times higher than at home. A basic fleece jacket that costs $25 at Target will run you $75-90 in Juneau's tourist shops.
The key to Alaska cruise packing success is preparing for weather that can literally change hourly while keeping your luggage manageable. After twelve Alaska cruises, I've learned that being slightly over-prepared beats being cold and miserable every single time.
Have questions about specific gear or want to share your own Alaska packing discoveries? Join fellow Alaska cruisers in our Alaska cruise community where experienced travelers share real-world packing tips and port-specific advice!